Stadium to be ready for World Cup, but opening may be delayed for roof work

A detailed inspection of the roof structure at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Maracana Stadium revealed more deterioration than expected. As a result, the stadium, which is expected to host the final match of the 2014 World Cup, will get a total roof replacement rather than a planned renovation. The stadium, undergoing an extensive rehab, will be completed in time for the World Cup, Brazil’s football federation says, but it may not be ready until 2013, a year later than expected.http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hFKgtRqileV...

The goal is to have Maracana ready for the 2013 Confederations Cup. FIFA President Sepp Blatter has criticized Brazil’s preparations and urged officials to speed up construction work for the month-long tournament, including at stadiums. The Maracana renovation was estimated to cost $430 million, but that was before the extent of the roof deterioration was discovered.

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University.
Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.